Area Plumbing Supplier May Be Closing

VERNON — The potential closing of Shepard Plumbing & Heating Supply Co. could leave tri-town area contractors and consumers without a major plumbing-supply house.

Although the future of the business remains unclear, local contractors, customers and other plumbing-supply businesses are watching the situation closely to see how it affects the local market.

Tolland Bank took control of the business last week and is seeking to foreclose on the property on Route 83. The business was closed Wednesday while an inventory was taken, an employee said.

The manager of the business, who declined to give his name, said lawyers had told employees not to comment on the situation. He said that employees were answering telephone calls and that customers who have questions or want to make purchases should call before going to the store.

Bank officials have said they regret the inconvenience caused by the action but said they could not comment.

Eric Santini, a Vernon contractor who owns about 400 apartments in town, said he had been doing business with Shepard for more than 25 years and had always found it reliable.

Vernon Mayor Tony Muro said he was saddened by the problems facing the business. He said he has been told that about 20 people would ultimately lose their jobs.

Howard Liebman, co-owner of Shepard, could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Liebman family members also own the Hockanum Mill complex, where the business was located until it moved to its current showroom on Route 83 more than five years ago.

An auction for the Hockanum Mill and 12 buildings on West Main Street on Sept. 17 failed to draw any bids.